Waiheke Island

Get a taste of Auckland’s island of wine in the Hauraki Gulf.

Discover lazy days, vineyards, olive groves and beautiful beaches – all just a 40-minute ferry ride away. There’s a reason Waiheke Island was named one of the world’s top 10 regions to visit for 2016 in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel guide.

Waiheke is home to a number of wineries and vineyards nestled into the landscape. Join a guided tour for tastings of award-winning wines and relax over a delicious vineyard lunch. There are some stylish eateries in Oneroa village well worth a try too.

Wander along the white sand at Oneroa and Onetangi beaches – two of the island’s best – and take a dip in the sheltered waters. There are loads of activities for adventure seekers too – try horse riding, archery and laser clay pigeon shooting, hire a scooter, take a scenic flight or zoom across the tree tops on a flying fox zip line. Waiheke also has a thriving arts scene, from local galleries and studios to an inspiring sculpture park, as well as regular art events.

This is the ultimate holiday retreat, so if you’re keen to stay longer, book accommodation in advance, particularly in the summer months. As well as the regular passenger ferry, you can also take a car ferry, a scenic flight, a helicopter or even a seaplane.